NCR and Rugbee.Co proudly recognize Jai-Ja “JJ” Lee as the Student Leader of the Month for April. Lee is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies at Weber State University, with a focus on professional sales, construction management and geography.
Lee is a first generation Hmong American, born and raised in Fresno, California. His family moved when he was 15 to Valdese, North Carolina. After completing high school, Lee embarked on a two-year mission trip for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Sacramento, where he taught the Hmong community about Christianity in their native language. It was during this mission trip that Lee discovered his love for rugby, playing touch rugby with Tongan church members.
Returning home Lee enrolled at Weber State University where rugby found him once again. Lee was a part of helping the team rebuild after the Pandemic, serving as club secretary. Under his leadership, the team expanded its player base and became a part of NCR in the spring of 2023.
Now serving as the club president, Lee has devoted countless hours to preparing the team both on and off the field. He pursued a level 1 referee course and trained with National Athletic Village 7s, eventually earning the opportunity to officiate at the CRCs this spring.
Lee’s nominators have high praise for the club president, “Jai-ja saw the need to implement this program to teach new players the Weber State standard of rugby as well as to provide a “big brother” to assist younger players with life and school issues. Jai-ja believes its important to not do life alone and through this program each player is able to feel welcomed on campus and as a part of the rugby club.”